The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.
Across Europe Trend
In Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering comparable measures.
- The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation may be formalized next year.
- The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
- In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
- The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.
At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.
"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.
The UK: A Cautious Stance
For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".
Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.
Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.
"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Landscape
Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional level due to country-wide gridlock.
- Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.
Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.
International Perspectives
Apart from these regions, additional states are also exploring options.
- Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
- Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
However, international organizations take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.
While this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
